ROSEAU, Dominica – A boat captain who claimed that the Dominica government had failed to come to his aid while he was being treated “inhumanely” in Venezuela has recanted his original story.
In a statement, Augustine Carbon has apologised to the Roosevelt Skerrit saying that while he has since returned to Dominica, his boat, the “MV Ruby Elaine” remains in Caracas.
“I will soon return to Venezuela to deal with my boat, pay out my outstanding bills, and to ensure that this boat and crew return home safely,” the letter stated.
Carbon and his sister, who is also a crew member, had repeatedly made statements on a local radio station claiming to have had been treated inhumanely by the Venezuelans and had called on the Skerrit government to intervene on their behalf.
But in his letter of apology, Augustine said “the government of Venezuela treated us fairly. The harbour master gave us food and water free. We were never held as hostage or captives. We were free to leave.
“I apologize to all who were affected and thank everyone who wishes us well and those who helped in any way. May GOD be with you all,” he said in the statement.
Dominica’s Ambassador to Venezuela Dr. Philbert Aaron recently told reporters that Carbon and his crew, were not in danger in Venezuela and had been well taken care of.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Hector John said he is convinced that Carbon’s “shocking” statement had not been made freely.
“Mr. Carbon himself spoke on the radio saying the problem that they were encountering…. He made it clear he’s not feeling like a Dominican because of how they were being treated by the government. He had said earlier that they only gotten assistance from the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” John is quoted by the online service, Dominica News Online (DNO).
“So it seems that something went wrong along the way. I think what we are seeing happening to Mr. Carbon is serious… Mr Carbon making a 180 degree turn…you cannot tell me something is so clear and all of a sudden he make that turn. It shows us that we in a serious state of affairs in Dominica. For the government of Dominica to assist him or to maybe…support them you have to go publicly and make these types of statements,” John said.
“I think it’s a type of bribery for you to have this gentleman who was in dire strain in Venezuela for four months come back home and now he’s speaking that language… it’s very sad,” John added. (CMC)
